The police have raised the alarm over security shortcomings at the GSP stadium, confirming they will formally notify Uefa ahead of the high-stakes European clash between Omonia and Pafos FC.
While authorities insist the match can still go ahead, police have raised concerns over the stadium’s CCTV system and have reignited debate over safety standards in Cypriot football.
Police spokesperson Kyriaki Lamprianidou made it clear that the issue is not about refusing to police the match but about fulfilling legal obligations.
“Our security plans are in place, and we have already announced our measures. However, we cannot ignore the fact that 30 cameras and the central server of the stadium’s CCTV system are not operational,” she said.
According to the police, the problem was first flagged weeks ago, and a formal letter was sent to the GSP management on January 23, giving them a two-week deadline to fix the system. That deadline has now expired.
“We discovered the issue when we needed footage from the cameras,” Lamprianidou added.
“If something happens during the match and we require CCTV footage, what happens then? Where does that leave us?”
Despite these concerns, the GSP stadium still holds a valid safety certificate, and multiple European matches have taken place under the same conditions. However, Lamprianidou stressed that notifying Uefa was a necessary step, as the final decision on whether the match will go ahead now rests with them.
The controversy has prompted intervention from the Cyprus sports organisation (Koa). Koa president Yiannis Ioannou announced that the organisation has decided to provide funding to upgrade the GSP’s CCTV system. He expressed frustration over how the issue had escalated.
“It is historic to have two Cypriot teams competing in a European tournament,” Ioannou said.
“I completely disagree with how this matter has been handled in recent days. We have exaggerated the problem. Koa has decided to finance the necessary upgrades, and within the next 15 minutes, our decision will be sent to the GSP board of directors.”
Ioannou urged the police to “ease off” and ensure the match takes place as planned.
“These minor CCTV issues have existed for a while, and games have been played under the same conditions,” he added. “I hope this matter ends here.”
The developments have added last-minute uncertainty to what should have been a proud moment for Cypriot football, with fans now waiting to see whether Uefa will raise any objections before the match kicks off.
